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Social Life-Cycle Assessment in the Construction Industry: A Review of Characteristics, Limitations, and Challenges of S-LCA through Case Studies

Author

Listed:
  • Prisca Ayassamy

    (Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

  • Robert Pellerin

    (Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada)

Abstract

The paper aims to examine how researchers have operationalized social impact assessment in construction projects over the last ten years. A systematic review was used to investigate case studies in the Social Life-Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) to analyze the application of the methodology. In total, 19 articles published between 2012 and 2023 were classified according to their scope, functional unit measure, S-LCA indicators used, and the main challenges. Our findings revealed limitations in both qualitative and quantitative aspects of measuring social indicators, primarily stemming from difficulties associated with scoring and assessment methodologies. Additionally, we observed deficiencies in social data within the S-LCA framework. This suggests that potential social impacts may be inadequately addressed and evaluated due to various challenges that have been highlighted in the existing literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Prisca Ayassamy & Robert Pellerin, 2023. "Social Life-Cycle Assessment in the Construction Industry: A Review of Characteristics, Limitations, and Challenges of S-LCA through Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14569-:d:1255248
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alberto Bezama & Jakob Hildebrandt & Daniela Thrän, 2021. "Integrating Regionalized Socioeconomic Considerations onto Life Cycle Assessment for Evaluating Bioeconomy Value Chains: A Case Study on Hybrid Wood–Concrete Ceiling Elements," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Ruqun Wu & Dan Yang & Jiquan Chen, 2014. "Social Life Cycle Assessment Revisited," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(7), pages 1-27, July.
    3. Louisa Pollok & Sebastian Spierling & Hans-Josef Endres & Ulrike Grote, 2021. "Social Life Cycle Assessments: A Review on Past Development, Advances and Methodological Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-29, September.
    4. Gabriella Arcese & Maria Claudia Lucchetti & Roberto Merli, 2013. "Social Life Cycle Assessment as a Management Tool: Methodology for Application in Tourism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(8), pages 1-13, August.
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